Have your finest spirits at the ready, such as whiskey, single-malt scotch, dark rum or eau de vie--each makes a wonderful, grown-up accompaniment for high-quality chocolate. Serve them 3 parts hot chocolate to one part spirit. Michael is particularly fond of the pairing of Recchiuti Dark Hot Chocolate with St. George Single Malt, an artisan whiskey made by St. George Spirits of Alameda, Calif. (www.stgeorgespirits.com.) Or get creative with different spices such as ground cardamom, cayenne pepper, fresh mint or basil! For more recipe suggestions and serving tips please download the pdf.

Serve the best hot chocolate you can find, such as Recchiuti's Dark Hot Chocolate (6-8 servings/12 ounces). Made of the highest-quality blend of pure chocolate, Recchiuti's Dark Hot Chocolate is sold in chocolate pistoles (small pieces) rather than powder, allowing the chocolate to melt into a smooth, rich quaff when hot water is added.

Serve your hot chocolate in small, four- to six-ounce portions. For the fastest, frothiest results, Michael Recchiuti suggests using an espresso steamer to heat and blend the chocolate and water. Alternatively, you can blend chocolate with hot water using an immersion blender or whisk. Keep warm over a double boiler.